The 6. Infanterie-Division was an infantry division that served under Germany during World War II. It was initially formed in 1934 and it consisted of standard German troops. However, in 1944 the division was reformed to become the 6. Grenadier-Division then the 6. Volksgrenadier-Division. In 1945, the division was completely destroyed at the hands of Soviet troops in the Vistula-Oder Offensive.
Commanders[]
The 6. Infanterie Division's first commander was Walter Kunetze who had maintained command from 1935 all the way to late 1938. Replacing him came Arnold Freiherr von Biegeleben who himself served for two years, ending in 1940. Helge Auleb was next to take command and served until 1942. Succeeding him would be commanders Horst Großmann and Egon von Neindorff who would serve one after the other until December 1943. Following came a string of temporary commanders until Otto-Hermann Brücker became the last real commander of the division.
Structure[]
The 6. Infanterie Division originally consisted of three infantry regiments, 18, 37, and 58 regiments. Supporting them would be 6. Artillery and Observation regiments. Also were the 6. Panzer, Reconnaissance, and Obervation Abteilung as well as the 6. Pioneer Battalion.[1] Later however these forces were renamed to Grenadier units.
Unit History[]
The 6. Infanterie-Division was first mobilized for war in 1939 and first saw combat in 1940 in the fighting in France and was immediately recognized for its fighting excellence.[2] Afterwards, it was sent east in preparation for combat in the Soviet Union. Here it was involved in the fighting near Moscow. During the winter though casualties mounted as little ground was sacrificed. It continued fighting with Army Group Center until 1943 when it was sent to take part in the Kursk Offensive. In 1944, the original 6. Infanterie Division was encircled and forced to surrender. The remnants were gathered up and formed the 6. Grenadier Division which was later renamed the 6. Volksgrenadier division. In 1945, the 6. Volks was also destroyed during the Vistula Oder Offensive.
References[]
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